The city is recognised as the spiritual home of shanties and sea songs, and Shanties 08 will run from tomorrow until Monday, alongside the Tall Ships Race.

Performances will take place on ships, stages and indoor venues around Albert and Wellington Docks and in the city centre.

The home crew is headed by Hughie Jones, formerly of The Spinners, Jacqueline McDonald, and shanty group Stormalong John.

Tomorrow night there will be an informal All Hands gathering at the Baltic Fleet pub, in Wapping. There is a showcase concert of festival headliners on Saturday evening at Novas’ Contemporary Urban Centre, in Greenland Street. Tickets, costing £12.50 with £10 concessions, are available by phoning 0844 477 1000 or online at www.ticketweb.co.uk For full details of the festival, visit www.shanties08.co.uk